Halloween Countdown

The countdown officially begins to my favorite holiday – Halloween. I love this celebration for many reasons. You can step outside yourself and be anyone. There is laughter, love, innocent pranks and treats. Let me not forget the parties. There are many, and I try to take in one or two, if possible. This special time of year requires I reminisce, if just a bit, of Halloweens past. My memories are long and include many people. My first costume ever was Casper (the friendly ghost). I was five years old, and loved it so much I slept in it all night.

I remember those few years after when my Mom would walk with me, hand-in-hand we would travel to the Avenue (in East Baltimore) to Woolworth’s so I could choose a costume. I remember these one-piece synthetic garments that came with a mask. I recall that strange smell of new plastic that always permeated the senses. It was probably toxic. I survived, uncertain of the long-term side effects, and it’s a wonderful memory that brings me great joy, for this is my ode to Woolworth’s, and I guess, my Mom, too.

I’ve always loved haunted houses – deliciously scary, and would not just walk through once, but three times or more, just as scared as I was the first time around. Ah, the innocence of youth or ignorance, depending how you want to look at it.

However, it’s Halloween as an adult that really is the best! I truly enjoy dressing up, sitting outside on the steps with friends and passing out candy to the 'trick or treaters'. I love seeing parents with their kids, all in costume, laughing and smiling. The latter appears to be fizzling out, but my memories are sustaining, and they are always nice to share with my yesteryear friends who took the same journey.

Here's one more ode to October, and all that it brings. Minute by minute, hour by hour, day by day I look forward to receiving some of my favorite gifts from nature. The changing leaves, welcoming the metamorphosis of color because it really does bring a calmness and peace to my world. I appreciate the free flow meditation offered to me when I watch a leaf break from a tree and fall magically, poetically to the ground, then catches air moving about with ease. It makes me think of life’s interludes of stability and stillness, change and acceptance, and moving forward and beyond. It’s a vindication of the past, a celebration of the present, and a promise of what will be will be.

I’m excited by beautiful fall skies and breathtaking sunsets that make me smile. I’m thrilled by crisp cool days that allow for light jackets and sweaters, and chilly nights that require a blanket or two, which ensures a perfect night’s sleep. This is the season when you can really delight in hot cider and tea the most. My greatest satisfaction is my fireplace – cozying up on the couch to read a good book, maybe drinking a glass of wine or two, only to enjoy the best relaxation possible.

Fall is now in full swing. Embrace each moment, while creating special memories to last you a lifetime. Enjoy the rest of your week, my friends. Cheers! – paerki

(The photos in this post are from an exhibit hosted by Mud and Metal, located in Hampden.)